Texas vets visit WWII memorial

Published 7:19 pm, Friday, October 4, 2013

WASHINGTON - Politics should not stop the country from honoring its veterans, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, declared Friday as he stood at the World War II memorial in Washington on the National Mall.

"There are no politics about this," said Cornyn. "This is about honoring our heroes. It shouldn't be political."

The monument along with national parks around the nation have been officially shuttered because of the failure of Congress and President Barack Obama to agree on a spending plan for the new federal fiscal year that started Tuesday.

Barriers no barrier

Despite black gates acting as barriers surrounding the entrances to the World War II memorial, authorities did not stop the public from entering on Friday. Many of the gates were pushed aside and dozens of tourists walked around inside.

"This park is closed, but I can't do anything to stop you," a park ranger told a visitor.

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Throughout the week, many veterans' groups have visited the memorial. Some have been restricted from entering, but with the help of some members of Congress, others have moved the gates and entered, regardless of the shutdown.

Along with other members of the Texas congressional delegation, Cornyn had come to the memorial to welcome the Texas veterans.

Cornyn said the veterans deserved more than to be blocked from visiting their own memorial.

"Hopefully, people will wake up and see that it doesn't make sense to punish the people who we should be honoring," he said.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., has "objected to opening these memorials, opening these parks," said Cruz. "I hope he backs off. I hope he's willing to compromise and I hope we can open every national park."

Cruz touted the efforts of House Republicans to approve funding for individual government departments and programs, such as the national parks and veterans benefits.